Whether you’re a small business looking to attract nearby customers or an enterprise aiming for geo-targeted visibility, local SEO can make or break your success. That’s why finding the right expert or the right Digital Marketing Agency with proven local SEO expertise is key. This post presents the Top 10 Local SEO Experts in the World, professionals who have not only mastered the art of local search optimization but continue to set industry standards. If you’re seeking someone to help you dominate local search rankings, this list of the Top 10 Local SEO Experts in the World is a great place to start. Local SEO focuses on optimizing a business’s online presence so it shows up in local search results on Google and other platforms. Think “best coffee shop near me” companies that appear in those top results owe it to expertly crafted local SEO strategies, often implemented by a seasoned digital marketing agency or consultant.
List of Top 10 Local SEO Experts in the World
Here’s the list of the Top 10 Local SEO Experts in the World.
- Mehboob Shar
- Joy Hawkins
- Brian Dean
- Aleyda Solis
- Neil Patel
- Rand Fishkin
- Joost de Valk
- Andrew Shotland
- Marie Haynes
- Matt Cutts
1. Mehboob Shar
Founder of Icreativez Technologies, Mehboob Shar is a dominant name in the local SEO landscape. Known for his ability to scale visibility on Google Maps and deliver high-converting local strategies, he tops our list.
Services:
- Customized local SEO strategies
- Google Maps optimization
- Comprehensive SEO audits and consulting
- Pay-Per-Click (PPC) campaign management
Why He Stands Out:
Mehboob Shar is a Google-certified SEO consultant renowned for significantly boosting website traffic and sales. His agency, Icreativez Technologies, has achieved remarkable results, including a 49,479% increase in a client’s website traffic
2. Joy Hawkins
A globally recognized local SEO authority, Joy runs Sterling Sky and is a regular contributor to Search Engine Land and the Local Search Forum. She’s known for her deep expertise in Google Business Profile optimization.
Services:
- Google Business Profile (GBP) optimization
- Local SEO audits and consulting
- Citation building and management
- Review management strategies
Why She Stands Out:
Joy Hawkins is a globally recognized authority in local SEO. Through her agency, Sterling Sky, she provides in-depth expertise in GBP optimization and contributes regularly to industry publications like Search Engine Land.
3. Brian Dean
Though more famous for general SEO, Brian Dean’s frameworks are often adapted by local businesses to dominate geo-targeted queries. His site, Backlinko, remains a go-to resource.
Services:
- SEO training and strategy development
- Content marketing and link-building techniques
- YouTube SEO optimization
Why He Stands Out:
Brian Dean is the founder of Backlinko, a leading resource for SEO strategies. Known for his practical and actionable advice, his work has helped businesses enhance their online visibility.
4. Aleyda Solis
Aleyda is an international SEO consultant and founder of Orainti. Her expertise in technical and multilingual SEO makes her an excellent choice for local strategies across different regions and languages.
Services:
- International and multilingual SEO consulting
- Technical SEO audits
- SEO training and workshops
- Content strategy development
Why She Stands Out:
Aleyda Solis is an award-winning international SEO consultant with over 15 years of experience. Through her company, She has assisted businesses worldwide in improving their organic search visibility.
5. Neil Patel
With millions of readers worldwide, Neil’s blog offers invaluable insights on local SEO. His agency has helped countless local businesses climb to the top of SERPs with actionable techniques.
Services:
- Comprehensive SEO and content marketing strategies
- Conversion rate optimization (CRO)
- Analytics and performance tracking
Why He Stands Out:
Neil Patel is a prolific digital marketer and co-founder of NP Digital. His extensive content and tools have made SEO accessible to a broad audience, particularly benefiting small businesses.
6. Rand Fishkin
The founder of Moz and SparkToro, Rand Fishkin’s work has heavily influenced local SEO tools and strategies. He’s a pioneer in search behavior analytics, vital for optimizing local campaigns.
Services:
- Audience intelligence and market research
- SEO strategy and consulting
- Content marketing insights
Why He Stands Out:
Rand Fishkin, co-founder of Moz and SparkToro, is known for his deep insights into search behavior and audience research, aiding businesses in refining their SEO strategies.
7. Joost de Valk
Founder of Yoast, Joost, has empowered millions with tools to improve on-site SEO, including local. His plugin’s local SEO module is widely adopted by WordPress users across the globe.
Services:
- Development of SEO tools and plugins
- WordPress SEO optimization
- SEO training and consulting
Why He Stands Out:
Joost de Valk is the creator of Yoast SEO, a widely used WordPress plugin that has empowered millions to optimize their websites for search engines.
8. Andrew Shotland
Andrew is the CEO of Local SEO Guide and is considered one of the foremost local SEO consultants. He specializes in enterprise-level strategies and complex multi-location businesses.
Services:
- Enterprise-level local SEO strategies
- Multi-location SEO management
- Local search audit and consulting
Why He Stands Out:
Andrew Shotland specializes in local SEO for large and multi-location businesses, offering tailored strategies to enhance local search performance.
9. Marie Haynes
Renowned for her focus on Google algorithm updates, Marie Haynes often helps local businesses recover from ranking losses and adapt to ever-changing SEO rules.
Services:
- Google penalty recovery
- Algorithm update analysis
- SEO audits and consulting
Why She Stands Out:
Marie Haynes is renowned for her expertise in helping businesses recover from Google penalties and adapt to algorithm changes, ensuring sustained search visibility.
10. Matt Cutts
While no longer at Google, Matt’s insights as the former head of Google’s Webspam team continue to inform local SEO best practices today.
Services:
- SEO best practices advocacy
- Webspam prevention strategies
- Search quality insights
Why He Stands Out:
Matt Cutts, as the former head of Google’s Webspam team, played a pivotal role in shaping SEO best practices and combating webspam, influencing the SEO community significantly.
How to Choose the Right Local SEO Expert
Choosing the right professional from the Top 10 Local SEO Experts in the World depends on several factors:
- Your industry and location
- Size and scope of your business
- Budget and desired results
- Special requirements (e.g., multi-location, multilingual SEO)
These experts offer a mix of consulting, agency services, and educational content. Whether you’re a local bakery or a multinational chain, there’s someone on this list who can help.
Final Thoughts
The Top 10 Local SEO Experts in the World have proven track records, innovative strategies, and a deep understanding of the evolving local search ecosystem. They help businesses rank in the coveted “3-Pack,” generate leads, and grow their visibility in local markets.
If you’re serious about local SEO, connecting with one of these experts could be the game-changer your business needs.
